What is NA?
Narcotic Anonymous (NA) is a worldwide support group designed for individuals struggling with drug addiction. It is a free program that offers regular group meetings across cities in the United States, including Florida, Columbia, and Lake City, to help members maintain recovery and build a supportive community.
These meetings provide a safe, confidential environment where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes while working through recovery together. The program follows a structured approach to addiction recovery based on the renowned 12 Steps philosophy.
Lake City, Florida
Address: 182 SW First Ave, Lake City, FL 32025
Meeting Times: Every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 PM
Meeting Details: Meetings at this location are primarily face-to-face group sessions lasting about 90 minutes. They include group sharing where members discuss their progress and struggles. The setting is supportive and welcoming, with a focus on confidentiality and mutual respect.
Columbia, Florida
Address: Columbia County Library, 308 NW Columbia Ave, Lake City, FL 32055
Meeting Times: Mondays and Fridays at 6:30 PM
Meeting Details: These meetings offer a guided discussion format where a facilitator introduces specific NA topics, followed by open sharing. Members are encouraged but not obligated to speak. Meetings emphasize peer support and education on relapse prevention strategies.
Florida (Gainesville Area)
Address: Uncoast Area Service Center, 123 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Meeting Times: Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Meeting Details: This location hosts both in-person and hybrid meetings, combining physical attendance with virtual access through online platforms. The meetings include step study sessions, speaker meetings, and meditation, offering varied approaches tailored to different stages of recovery.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. This step marks the beginning of acceptance, recognizing the need for help beyond oneself.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Members begin to embrace hope that recovery is possible through spiritual or higher power support.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Commitment to surrender control and trust in the recovery process is emphasized here.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Members reflect honestly on past behaviors and character flaws to better understand their addiction.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step encourages openness and accountability, vital for healing relationships.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Willingness to change is key in this phase of recovery.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. This step involves active spiritual surrender and requests for strength.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Preparing to repair relationships damaged by addiction is the focus here.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Taking responsibility through concrete actions to heal past harms.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Maintaining honesty in daily life ensures ongoing growth.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will and the power to carry that out. Spiritual development continues to be nurtured for lasting recovery.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Members commit to helping others and applying these values consistently.
This structured approach aims to motivate members toward positive change and sustained recovery in Florida, Columbia, and Lake City, USA.
Getting Started with NA in Florida, Columbia, Lake City, USA
Individuals seeking to join Narcotic Anonymous meetings can find the most comprehensive and up-to-date listings of local meetings by visiting Methadone.org. This website is the best resource to locate nearby face-to-face or online meetings tailored to various schedules and recovery needs.
Most areas provide both in-person and virtual meeting options, allowing flexibility and accessibility for people at different stages of recovery or with diverse availability.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
Understanding the types of NA meetings helps newcomers choose what fits best for their initial attendance in Florida, Columbia, and Lake City.
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to anyone interested in learning about NA, including friends and family. New members can attend without prior NA experience. |
| Closed Meetings | Exclusive to individuals who identify as having a drug addiction, providing a confidential environment for sharing personal recovery stories. |
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself as a new member and get comfortable with the meeting environment.
- If comfortable, share your experiences during the session to connect with others and receive support.
- Receive welcome keychain tags to mark your milestones in recovery, symbolizing progress and encouragement.
Milestone Tags:
- 30 days: Celebrates the first month of continuous sobriety and commitment to recovery.
- 60 days: Marks two months of progress and the strengthening of personal resolve.
- 1 year: A significant milestone recognizing sustained recovery and dedication over twelve months.
- Additional tags may include 18 months, 2 years, 5 years, and longer periods, each representing continued sobriety and growth.